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GSSA
The 1820 Settler Correspondence
 as preserved in the National Archives, Kew
 and edited by Sue Mackay

Correspondence 1821 to 1837.

Here only letters by known settlers or their families, or letters of great relevance to the 1820 settlers, have been transcribed, whereas ALL the 1819 correspondence was transcribed (see CO48/41 through CO48/46) whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape.

Unless otherwise stated letters were written to either the Secretary of State for the Colonies or his deputy.The original correspondence is filed in order of receipt. Here it has been placed in alphabetical order according to the surname of the writer, with letters by the same writer in chronological order, for ease of reading. Original spelling has been maintained. Reference numbers, where given, refer to printed page numbers stamped on the letters and will enable visitors to the National Archives to locate the letter more easily.

DAMANT, Thomas, 1826

Written by Sue Mackay on .

National Archives, Kew, CO48/86, 126

Yelverton House

Tavistock

6th March 1826

The Memorial of Thomas DAMANT, Captain in the West Norfolk Regiment of Militia.

Your memorialist having for many years suffered from acute rheumatism, was advised by many eminent medical men to try a warm climate, and consequently your Memorialist embarked for the Cape of Good Hope in Feb'y 1817, where he experienced considerable relief, and was induced to purchase a Place of 6,000 acres for the purpose of growing barley to distil, and having at a very great expence brought into cultivation near 200 acres and provided all the requisites for distilling, which by an old law was prohibited (from grain) consequently your Memorialist was obliged to sell the same at a very considerable loss. Your Memorialist received great attention from Lord Charles SOMERSET and doubt not had he then applied he might have had a grant of land. Your Memorialist finding his health requires a warm climate is desirous of returning to the Cape provided your Lordship will give him either a civil or military appointment or a grant of land (called loan plans) many of which are held by Dutchmen.

Having served twenty seven years in the Norfolk Regiment he trusts he has some little claim as to a situation abroad, relying on your Lordship's philanthropy, your Memorialist will in duty bound ever pray.

[Note on reverse]

Rec'd from Mr. E. WODEHOUSE MP 17 Mar 1826

Inform the memorialist that in consequence of an application in his favor made by Mr. WODEHOUSE in promoting his mem'l, I am to acquaint him by [will?] of Ld BATHURST that the terms upon which land is granted at the Cape are as follows & then transmit points to paper.

 

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National Archives, Kew, CO48/86, 128

Yelverton House

26th March 1826

My Lord,

I had the honor of receiving your Lordship's answer to my Memorial of the 6th inst wherein I requested an appointment either civil or military or the permission to purchase a loan plan, similar to the indulgence granted MR. TATE in 1817. My means are fully adequate to bring into cultivation a considerable portion of land, which I feel desirous to do. I therefore request your Lordship will allow me the choice of a district and which I am anxious to know some time previous to my leaving England, as it will take a considerable time to make the necessary preparations.

I have the honor to remain

Your Lordship's obed't humble serv't

Thos. DAMANT

Capt W.N.M.

[note on reverse]

Acquaint him that altho' Lord BATHURST will give him a letter requesting the Gov'r to grant him every facility, yet that it is not possible to empower him (Cap DAMANT) to select the land which he may wish to bring into cultivation.

 

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National Archives, Kew, CO48/86, 132

16 Albany Street

Regent's Park

3rd Nov 1826

Sir,

Understanding it is the intention of Government to encourage emigration to the Colonies, and Earl BATHURST having acceded to my request for a grant of land at the Cape of Good Hope, I beg leave to enquire whether any allowance will be made for the passage of the persons I am desirous of taking out, as without such assistance it would be decidedly preferable to procure servants in the Colony.

I have the honor to remain your obed't humble serv't

Thos. DAMANT

 

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National Archives, Kew, CO48/86, 134

16 Albany Street

Regent's Park

9th Nov 1826

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th containing Earl BATHURST's reply to my letter of the 3rd.

May I request (as but little time will be required in making preparations for my voyage without a party) that you will put me in possession of a copy of the letter which his Lordship had the goodness to say would be transmitted to the Government at the Cape, at your earliest convenience.

I am Sir your most obed't serv't

Thos. DAMANT

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